As we approach Thanksgiving weekend and the 2025 holiday season, have you ever noticed how many people get run down around the holidays? Illness shows up when we become overly stressed from trying to squeeze too many activities into our already hectic schedules. What is supposed to be a joyful, spiritually grounded time of year too often gives way to stress-related illness, short tempers, frantic activity, digital overload and overeating.
As with anything worthwhile, you’ll need to plan ahead to make this year different.
10 tips for having a happy holiday in real estate
If you want to have the best holiday season ever, follow the tips below.
1. Under-promise
List all the holiday events, obligations and activities you believe you “must” do. Place these in priority order. Commit to completing the top 75 percent, and let go of the bottom 25 percent. Put your commitment in writing, and stick to it. If you must add something to the list, decide what item(s) you are willing to drop.
2. Remember that ‘No’ is a complete sentence
You have a limited amount of time to squeeze in the activities you must complete. Make your personal activities a priority. If someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do, smile and say, “No.” There’s no need to explain why you aren’t available.
If the person making the request pressures you, simply say, “I have another commitment.” It makes no difference if the commitment is going home to put your feet up or turning off your phone for an hour.
3. Focus on what you need to do vs. what you want to do
If you feel tired, overwhelmed or ill when you’ve committed to an event, give yourself permission to take care of yourself. To stay well, taking care of your personal needs must remain a top priority. Be willing to let the “wants” go undone if necessary.
4. Save time and energy with digital cards and online shopping
Sending out holiday cards has become a fading tradition, still cherished by many boomers but increasingly replaced by easier digital options. Most agents now bulk-mail cards through their CRM or rely on “send-a-card” platforms and digital card apps like BlueMountain and similar services.
I like the Gallery Collection, since it is specifically designed for real estate professionals. These tools let you personalize a greeting without spending hours handwriting and addressing envelopes.
Shopping online offers the same advantage. You avoid the crowds at the malls, the parking hassles, as well as long lines at the post office and high shipping costs. Best of all, you give yourself precious time back during an already busy season.
5. Tackle big projects in pieces
Big holiday projects can feel overwhelming, whether it’s hosting, decorating or getting the house ready for guests. Break every major task into smaller pieces. Do your shopping, prepping and cooking as early as possible.
For anything repetitive, whether it’s gift wrapping, organizing the house or preparing food, set aside 30 minutes a day over one week. And whatever timeline you set, add a 25 percent buffer. That small margin keeps you from sliding into last-minute stress and gives you space to actually enjoy what you’re doing.
6. Let go of expectations
Have you ever hoped that a package contained exactly the right gift, and it turned out to be something you’ll never use? My husband coined the phrase “slain by an expectation” to describe this phenomenon. When we create expectations of what should happen or exactly how things should be, we set ourselves up for disappointment and failure.
Instead of having high expectations, shift to being grateful for whatever comes your way this holiday season. Sometimes life’s most difficult moments become our greatest teachers and gifts.
7. Don’t be attached to the outcome
Stress often occurs when we’re attached to how people will respond to our cards, gifts, posts, or even our presence. Focus on the present moment, and enjoy the gifts it contains. Your holiday experience becomes much more positive and will feel far less like an obligation.
8. Keep your intake of alcohol and sweets at a minimum
A major way many people burn time and energy during the holidays is by drinking too much and eating too many sweets. It’s even worse when January arrives and you’re facing yet another round of dieting to get back on track. Both alcohol and sugar can spike and crash your blood sugar, often leading to fatigue, irritability or even mild depression.
If you’re going to graze at a party, focus on high-protein items along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Have “designer water,” sparkling juice or a festive mocktail. If you’re still using the “It’s the holidays” excuse, it’s time to retire it.
9. Invite others in
Create your own holiday tradition by inviting others who are alone or new in town to your home for a holiday dinner. If you don’t have anyone to invite, visit a retirement home or a children’s shelter. There are many people who would love to have someone remember them at the holiday season.
You can also volunteer to serve dinner to the homeless or help at a local church, synagogue or community center that provides services for those in need. The old adage “it is better to give than to receive” remains true — what we give always comes back with interest.
10. Give to yourself
At this hectic time of year, schedule time for you. Take a long luxurious hot bath, enjoy a holiday movie, get a massage, take a walk through the neighborhood lights, or do whatever makes you feel grounded and healthy. Give yourself the gifts of laughter and song; both are wonderful ways to chase away stress and the holiday blues.
Happiness strengthens the immune system, and laughter still works better than most supplements. Put a smile on your face, a song in your heart and enjoy the holiday season.
Bernice Ross is president and CEO of BrokerageUP and RealEstateCoach.com, the founder of Profit.RealEstate and a national speaker, author and trainer with over 1,500 published articles.
